Orthodontics is not limited to children and teenagers; in fact, approximately 1 in every 5 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment is an adult. No one is too old to benefit from orthodontic care, and adults are increasingly seeking solutions to enhance their smiles.
Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
Adults pursue orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Many may have experienced orthodontic issues during childhood but couldn’t address them at the time. Others who received treatment as children might find themselves in need of additional care due to relapse or limitations in their initial treatment.
Benefits of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment offers numerous advantages for adults, including:
- Aesthetic Improvement: Aligning teeth to create a more attractive and confident smile.
- Correction of Relapse: Addressing issues that may have arisen after previous treatments, often due to insufficient retainer wear.
- Enhanced Oral Hygiene: Improving the ability to brush and floss, particularly beneficial for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth.
- Comfortable Bite: Achieve a more comfortable bite, which facilitates better chewing and overall oral function.
- Closure of Gaps: Addressing missing teeth and closing spaces for a more complete smile.
- Wear Reduction: Reducing excessive wear on teeth caused by grinding or poor bite.
- Jaw Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
The Appearance of Braces
Many adults express concerns about the appearance of traditional braces. Fortunately, there are several discreet options available. Invisalign®, a popular alternative to braces, utilizes clear, removable aligners custom-fabricated using advanced 3D imaging technology to shift teeth gently into place. For more complex issues, clear ceramic brackets can be utilized as an aesthetic alternative to metal braces.
Soreness and Discomfort
It’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is more uncomfortable for adults than for children. In reality, adults often report similar levels of soreness during treatment. Discomfort is typically most pronounced 12 to 24 hours after an adjustment and usually subsides within 3 to 5 days.
Key points to consider include:
- Modern Appliances: Smaller and more comfortable to wear.
- Advanced Technology: New titanium technology reduces pressure on teeth.
- Faster Movement: Allows for quicker tooth alignment.
- Treatment Duration: Most plans are completed within 15 to 18 months, with adjustments every 8 to 10 weeks.
This streamlined approach to discomfort ensures that you can focus on achieving your dream smile without unnecessary worry.
Cost of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
The cost for adult orthodontic treatment is determined similarly to that of children and adolescents. Factors influencing pricing include the severity of the orthodontic issue, the complexity of the required corrections, the appliances selected, and the overall treatment duration.
Dr. Andrew Cedarbaum has a proven track record of successfully treating patients well into their 60s and even 70s. This demonstrates that orthodontic treatment is accessible at any age, and you should never feel that it’s too late to pursue the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of.
